Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has directed officers who are interested in politics to resign and join the politics or face disciplinary action should they be found to be having secret meetings with politicians for whatever reason.
The directive was given today, Monday, according to Director Army Public Relations, in a statement, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, following information that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons.
He said that the army chief such officers and their political collaborators “to desist from these acts.”
General Buratai reminded the officers that the army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear Constitutional roles and responsibilities.
“Therefore, he seriously warned and advised all officers and soldiers interested in politics, to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith”, the statement added.
“Any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame.
“The COAS has further reiterated that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Heads of security agencies must not leave anything to chance; some people may be taking advantage of the C-in-C’s absence to plot what only they can explain. God forbid a coup.
“Expect the DSS and Police to issue similar statement in the coming days. That’s all I would say for now.”
It was gathered that Buratai’s statement came on the heels of intelligence reports that some politicians are holding secret meetings with top Army officers due to the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari travelled on May 7 to London again for medical attention. [myad]
